Novak Djokovic’s invariable position of not getting vaccinated against covid-19 continues to affect his sports career. The latest setback that the world number one in the ATP ranking has suffered is the confirmation that he will not be in Indian Wells.
The organization of the Californian tournament confirmed this Sunday that the Serbian tennis player will not be in the draw for the first Masters 1000 of the year. Although those responsible did not specify in their statement the reason for the withdrawal, Djokovic’s presence in the Californian desert was practically impossible because he did not comply with the rules on the United States pandemic to enter the country.
The only option for the Serb was to receive an exception from the US authorities. However, that assumption was not finally given for this tournament that will be played from March 6 to 19. Number one in the world, Djokovic will thus skip Indian Wells for the fourth consecutive year -counting the 2020 edition that was not played due to the pandemic- and will probably be at the Miami Open (March 19 to April 2), also in the Masters category 1000.
American tennis had been in favor of Djokovic receiving that exemption in order to enter the country. “He is one of the greatest champions our sport has seen. The USTA and the US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country and that fans will be able to see him again in action in Indian Wells and Miami.” The country’s tennis federation shared on Twitter before the decision was made known.
Indian Wells director Tommy Haas defended his involvement. “Obviously the only problem is that he still can’t get into the United States. It would be nice if those measures were lifted a little earlier and we have him here. We should give him a chance. In my opinion, it would be a great shame if he wasn’t here.”
Djokovic’s absence opens the way for Alcaraz to regain number one, although the young Spaniard arrives between cotton balls at these two American tournaments in which he defends many points (he was a semifinalist in Indian Wells in 2022 and champion in Miami). In addition to Djokovic, Indian Wells and Miami will also be without Rafael Nadal due to injury.
Djokovic’s start in 2023 has been very positive for his interests. Winner of his first title in the Australian city of Adelaide, he was crowned for the tenth time at the Australian Open, equaling Nadal as the male tennis player with the most Grand Slam titles. He strung together 15 wins in a row this year until Daniil Medvedev stopped him in the semifinals of the Dubai tournament last week.
With this edition of Indian Wells and the practically certain absence in Miami, there will already be eight renowned tournaments in which he has not been able to compete since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020. Djokovic has always been against receiving the vaccine despite to the sporting consequences that his decision has entailed.
